By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY — The Department of Health (DOH) in the Negros Island Region (NIR) recorded 53 firework-related injuries as of January 1, 2025, with 31 cases involving minors.
Since December 21, 2024, 36 victims sustained burns or blast injuries, 15 suffered eye injuries, one experienced both blast and eye injuries, and another required amputation due to a blast injury.
Negros Occidental logged the highest number of cases with 31, followed by Negros Oriental with 11, and Siquijor with two.
The injuries were linked to various fireworks, including sparklers, boga, five-star, picolo, bilong-bilong, kamara, kwitis, triangle, flying tiger, candle bomb, marawi, whistle bomb, and six cases with unknown causes.
In Bacolod City, the City Health Office (CHO) reported 13 firework-related injuries as of December 31, 2024. Twelve of the victims were treated as outpatients, while one was hospitalized.
The cases occurred in Barangays Mandalagan, Banago, Estefania, Villamonte, Bata, Singcang-Airport, and Vista Alegre.
PCG Monitors Holiday Passenger Surge
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Southern Visayas monitored 8,610 passengers across various seaports in the region as of January 1.
This figure included 5,039 outbound and 3,571 inbound passengers during the holiday travel period.
The PCG heightened its alert status across districts, stations, and sub-stations from December 20, 2024, to January 3, 2025, to ensure the safety and security of travelers during the yuletide season.
The highest passenger volume was recorded on December 22, reaching 25,664.
